Indy Fuel vs Utah Grizzlies Recap

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The matchup between the Indy Fuel and the Utah Grizzlies was sure to be a tough game for the Fuel. The Grizzlies had not lost in regulation so far this season, with their only two losses happening in overtime. There was a big change to the Fuel line-up for this game. Matt Tomkins was not starting in goal for the Fuel. This was the first game he had not started this season. Instead, it was Kevin Lankinen in goal for Indy.

First Period

The first period held a lot of action for the Fuel, in and out of the box score. The team had so many good chances, but they kept getting broken up by Utah’s defense. Both teams were quick to make their marks in the box scores when a fight broke out between Anthony Collins of the Fuel and Teigan Zahn of the Grizzlies. Not even a minute later, Quentin Shore found himself in the penalty box for holding.

Halfway through Shore’s penalty, the Grizzlies’ Matt Berry was penalized for slashing. Both penalties passed with no goal for either side. Finally, 14:07 into the period, the Fuel put a tally in the goal column. Robert Powers’ second goal of the season gave the Fuel a 1-0 lead over the Grizzlies. Two minutes later, Matt Rupert was sent to the box for holding. Just seconds after his penalty expired, Austin Carroll gave the Grizzlies the game-tying goal.

Second Period

Just 42 seconds into the second period, Matt Rupert scored his third goal of the season giving the Fuel a 2-1 lead. About a minute later, Logan Nelson was sent to the box for tripping. Those were his third and fourth penalty minutes so far this season. Immediately after Nelson’s penalty expired, Berry headed back to the penalty box for delay of game for a faceoff violation. The Fuel could not take advantage of the power play. They would get another chance soon when Carroll went to the box for hooking.

One Rupert on offense. #UTAvsIND pic.twitter.com/qUwvmXDgPV

— Indy Fuel (@IndyFuel) November 2, 2018

While the Fuel did not score on the power play, the did extend their lead to 3-1 just one second after the Carroll penalty ended. This goal came thanks to Olivier Labelle. It was his third of the season. The period was far from over, however. Midway through the period, Labelle and Josh Anderson scrapped and both were sent to the penalty box. Both were hit with roughing penalties, but Anderson received a double minor for roughing.

Hey Matt, how many periods are left in this hockey game?

(Fuel lead the Grizzlies 3-1 as we start the third) #UTAvsIND pic.twitter.com/7D79tCYvxO

— Indy Fuel (@IndyFuel) November 2, 2018

Third Period

Aside from a high-sticking penalty from Connor Moynihan and a slash from Labelle, the third period was relatively uneventful. With just under two minutes remaining in the game, Matt Rupert put the game away with an empty net goal, which was his second of the game and fourth on the season.

The Fuel took this one with the 4-1 victory over the Grizzlies. Goalie Kevin Lankinen impressed in his Indy Fuel debut, making 18 saves on 19 shots faced. The Fuel will be in action again tonight when they head to Fort Wayne to take on the Komets.